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Intel set to take on AMD with CULV platform

New chip will be aimed at ultra-portable notebooks ranging in display size
from 11in to 13.3in

Intel's CULV platform could be available as early as the second quarter 2009

Intel is set to launch a consumer ultra-low voltage (CULV) platform later
this year, in a move that would put the chip giant in direct competition with
AMD's Yukon platform.

Intel sources told vnunet.com that CULVs are not new to the Intel
roadmap, noting "these processors have been in the works for years. We've had
ULVs
for years and this is just a natural extension of this product line."

The source said that the CULVs would have a package size of 22mm x 22mm, but
refused to confirm any sort of timescale except to say they would be out "later
this year".

This year, Intel will purportedly seek to place its products into four
different market sectors. The 12.1in and bigger portables will take their place
in the traditional notebook sector, while Atom- and Pineview-based machines will
compete within the netbook space. Menlow will target the
mobile
internet device sector and CULV-based ultra-portable notebooks will take
their place among lightweight portables ranging in display size from 11in to
13.3in.

Some Taiwanese notebook makers are reporting that ultra-portable devices
sporting Intel's new CULV should be available by the second quarter of 2009,
while the top-three notebook makers are already finalising plans to launch
products based on the platform.

Intel CULV-based notebooks should push shipment numbers past the 10 million
unit mark, according to sources in the industry.

Sources at notebook makers have speculated that pricing for Intel CULV
ultra-portable notebooks would probably range from between $699 to $899 (£501 to
£645), but our Intel source told vnunet.com that no information on
pricing was currently available.

Rumour from the Taiwanese notebook makers also has it that HP may now be
persuaded to use the upcoming CULV platform for its
13.3in
Mini-Note notebook, due out in June, instead of using an Atom Zxx Menlow
chip.